Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

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  Few Complaints - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jillian Kennedy - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my VW for nearly 4 years now and it has only recently started to give me problems, but most of my complaints about that would be with the local VW dealership and service department (Moffitt Volkswagen in Bossier City, Louisiana; my advice: do yourself a favor and go elsewhere). Other than that my VW has been an absolute joy to own and drive!

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  mmmmmm - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nathanoh - December 21 - 10:00 am

  l absolutely love my Touareg. The power is endless, it is asthetically pleasing in and out, the interior is painstakingly classy, and a comfort to sit in. I have a few issues but they are minor. There are intermittent electrical issues (radio having no sound twice, unusual and inappropriate warning lights), the seatbelt alarm that takes 5 minutes to go away if you choose to not wear your seat belt, and the tranmission is a bit rough when in the Sport setting. I highly recommend this vehicle though i do wish that with the 55,000 i spent that VW would put a computer system in that didnt run like Windows.

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  Great value, Great drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AdMonster - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Remarkable gas mileage and great driveability all bundled into one of the best cars I have ever purchased. Without AC, it averages better than 50 mpg and with the AC blasting, it averages about 46 mpg. In times like these, this is a wonderful car to have. Great service by the dealership and good reliability. All in all, an incredible value.

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  The Best GTI Yet! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By dougmg - December 20 - 12:03 pm

  This is my third GTI after owning an 87 16V and then a 95 VR6. I feel all of my complaints with the other two were addressed with the Anniversary Edition. There is no more rolling through the curves, no more wobbly shifter, and a tighter suspension. This car is hot looking and fun to drive!

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  Performance excellence vw Passat - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By George - December 18 - 6:29 am

  Great car and price. Affordable luxury

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  certain problems, but fine ride - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By widow - December 18 - 3:50 am

  Repeat problems: links/arms in suspension lose "permanently sealed" lubricant, causing a disturbing grinding & squeeking noise. VW does not accept responsibility to replace these prematurely worn parts. Occasional problems starting car; may be corroded wiring on underside or faulty ignition switch. Problems known to VW but little inclination to help consumer fix problem. When all said, I love the firm ride and handling of my wagon.

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  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By who needs a hybrid? - December 16 - 2:53 am

  Purchased new in 9/05, paid full sticker, no dealer shopped would budge on price so it came down to color/options. First diesel car ever owned and would definitely buy another one. Car seems as quiet/powerful as the 1.8 gas, mileage averages over 40mpg, 80% highway driving with the automatic. Surprising reliability as an 86 GLI I owned fell apart around 75K miles of hard driving. Gripes, I once owned a 04 Passat and was much more comfortable behind the wheel, Im only 6 tall, the center console protrudes too much into my right leg. Also, the cruise control controls belong on the steering wheel, like the Passat. Otherwise no other major complaints other than I wish diesel was cheaper!

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  Strong German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mikeramirez - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of thought and quite a few tests, we decided to get the Touareg (instead of the Cayenne or the Chevy Tahoe). We are really happy with it. It feels really strong on the highway (great comfort) and specially agile in city driving. Ours (2005 version) is definitely NOT short on power (240hp) as some people said about the 2004 Touareg (220hp). Of course, it responds quickly to the gas pedal, but bear in mind that you are not driving a Mini :) Fuel consumption is about 20mpg on average, much better than we initially thought. This a great SUV. Cant wait to take it off-road without kids and wife ;)

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  Please just get me home - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By collegefool - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Car ran great off the lot, then noticed a lot of engine vibration 2 months later. Turned out to need new cams and lifters (all covered by warranty) Replaced mass airflow sensor 3 mo. mark and window clips as well, all covered by warranty. Acceleration is great, shifting is sluggish and spongie. Great interior layout but seats are uncomfortable. I enjoy the car its just been a pain to take it in so much when ive only had it a half of a year. It seems odd to replace the lifters and cams at 35,000 miles....

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  2002 VW Eurovan weekender review - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By kimberly - December 15 - 7:36 am

  Love the power and sitting up high. Suggestions for improvement: remote control that only unlocks drivers door, not all doors at same time (this could be unsafe; a stranger could jump in other side as one enters drivers door), automatic door locking as vehicle starts to move, glovebox in front of passenger seat. would like FLAT back seat so when its turned into a bed it is not so lumpy and uneven. I was disappointed that my new 2002 did not have a standard CD player (only am/fm/cassette). Im the original owner & have owned 2 other VW vans.. the 1990 pop top was superb. Id love to see the 1990 set up, but put the engine in the front and add safety air bags and a v-6 engine.